Stoke-on-Trent will be allowed to keep its three MPs after key changes were made to a proposed shake-up of the parliamentary map.

The Boundary Commission for England unveiled its latest recommendations today, which would see Staffordshire lose one of its 12 seats.

But instead of going ahead with the previous plan to scrap Stoke-on-Trent Central and carve up its wards between the city’s two other MPs, there would be a new Stoke-on-Trent South and Stone constituency created.

It would stretch from Stone, Barlaston and Fulford right up to Trentham, Blurton, Longton, Weston Coyney and Meir.

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The Conservative Government can only go ahead with the changes if it wins enough support from its own MPs and those on the opposition benches.

City MPs have welcomed the findings - but questioned the cash spent on the exercise.

Stoke-on-Trent North MP Ruth Smeeth says the exercise has 'tidied up' the boundaries as she represents just over a dozen homes in Abbey Hulton and segments of Sneyd Green and Hanley. She said: "I am proud to represent all my constituents but it can be confusing for them the way it is divided up.

"From day one after being elected I always referred to my seat as Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove. Kidsgrove should get clear recognition as an independent town that is aligned by the city."

Central MP Gareth Snell said: "I am glad that they have recognised that a city the size of Stoke-on-Trent needs three distinct voices.

"But I am not convinced over losing MPs. There is also the public money that has been spent on this. This has been going on for seven years and could just end up getting shelved."